SP25.62 PR RFQ Advertisement for Bid.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Public Relations Services

Pursuant to §41-16-72 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission dba U.S.

Space & Rocket Center seeks qualifications from qualified professionals licensed in the State of Alabama to provide Professional Services for Public Relations.

The purpose of this RFQ is to solicit and receive qualification packets from vendors with proven experience, technical expertise, and a strong track record that can significantly enhance the Center's earned media presence and manage its reputation through strategic communications. While we have an in-house social media team, support for social media initiatives may be requested on a limited, as-needed basis and is of lesser importance compared to earned media.

Scope of the Project:

The selected PR firm will serve as a backstop for our internal PR team and will work closely with the USSRC's internal marketing and communications team. The focus of this engagement is heavily weighted towards earned media. The areas of services needed include but not limited to the following.

1. Earned Media & Media Relations (Primary Focus) Strategic Media Planning Media Outreach & Pitching Media Kit Development Thought Leadership Media Monitoring & Reporting

2. Crisis Communications Crisis Preparedness Planning Rapid Response Message Development Reputation Management

3. Event Support

4. Social Media Support (Lesser Importance)

Qualifications:

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center will select the most qualified professional service provider as outlined in Title 41-16-72.10(3) of the Alabama State Code.

Qualification packets must include a letter of interest, Alabama Vendor Disclosure statement, Business License, DHS E-Verify Document, W9 form, and a comprehensive proposal addressing the following sections.

1. Executive Summary An overview of your understanding of the USSRC’s needs and how your firm proposes to meet them.

2. Firm Overview

Company history, mission, and core competencies.

Organizational structure and a brief biography of key personnel who would be assigned to the USSRC account, highlighting their relevant experience.

3. Approach to Earned Media

Outline your proposed strategy and tactical approach to achieving significant earned media coverage for the USSRC.

Describe your process for identifying story angles, pitching to media, securing placements.

Detail your approach to media monitoring and reporting on results.

4. Crisis Communications Plan

Describe your approach to crisis preparedness and rapid response Provide a brief outline of how you would develop a crisis communications plan for the USSRC.

5. Proposed Budget

Provide a detailed budget breakdown for the proposed services, including fees, anticipated expenses, and any retainer structures.

Clearly indicate what is included and excluded from the proposed fees.

6. References

Provide at least three (3) professional references from clients for whom you have provided similar services, including contact names, titles, organizations, and phone numbers/email addresses.

All potential bidders may request via email a copy of the complete Scope of Work as well as any additional requirements related to this bid. Project specific documents may also be examined at the office of the Director of Procurement, U.S.

Space and Rocket Center, One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Al 35805

Deadline for submission of all RFQ related questions is NLT 5:00 PM SCT, Friday August 8th, 2025.

Response: Interested professionals should submit their qualifications packet via email, or by using a reliable and trackable delivery method by the time and due date shown to the person and address listed below:

Sam Mitchell, Director of Procurement U.S. Space and Rocket Center One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, Al 35807 samm@spacecamp.com

Qualifications must be received no later than 5:00 PM CST, Friday, August 15th, 2025.

This request for qualifications is not an offer to contract but seeks the submission of qualifications from qualified, professional respondents that may form the basis for the negotiation of a contract or agreement.

Potential candidates will be selected from those submitting qualifications for further and more detailed evaluation and review by an independent committee of representatives from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center reserves the right to reject any or all qualifications, waive technical errors, and to solicit additional qualifications, through the RFQ process, if that is determined to be in the best interests of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission.